We know that it is very frustrating to get fungal acne repeatedly. It is important to note that fungal acne and acne are different conditions with different causes, symptoms, and treatments. So, put this fact in your mind and reduce the confusion. 

This could be the reason you are getting fungal acne repeatedly. You might be taking treatment for normal acne while fungal acne fades naturally and then comes back. The normal treatment will not work for fungal ones. 

However, here we have discussed a few possibilities as to why your skin condition keeps coming back and what to do to get rid of it completely and effectively. 

Fungal Acne

This skin condition is caused by fungal infection in hair follicles, while the normal one happens when excessive oil clogs skin pores.

The condition results in tiny bumps formation that itch badly. However, normal acne does not itch. This is the primary symptom that differentiates between both conditions.

Fungal acne leads to small uniform bumps in clusters, itching, redness in the affected area, pain, inflammation, and burning sensation. Bumps are usually red but can turn into whiteheads. 

It is often mistaken for normal acne and closed comedones. The symptoms look similar but have different causes and need separate treatment. You can learn more about fungal acne vs closed comedones in this article.

Is it contagious?

Fungal acne is not contagious as the fungus that causes this infection naturally occurs in everyone’s body. So, there is no way it is contagious. The overactivation of yeast through internal means leads to infection in hair follicles, causing bumps. 

However, it can be slightly contagious if there is significant bodily contact with a person severely affected by fungal acne, but this is rare.

Why does it keep coming back?

Several reasons can cause fungal acne to keep coming back. You have to understand that there is no way it can be completely eradicated. This fungus lives in our body permanently, and its overactivation causes problems. 

So people are more prone to its overactivation. Still, look at these reasons that might cause it to keep coming back.

You are not getting the right treatment.

Negligence in treatment could be the reason why it keeps coming back. Late treatment, not taking medication as prescribed by a doctor, reducing the usage of medication, or stopping taking medication right after witnessing improvements in symptoms, all these factors fall into inadequate treatment. 

Most people say that they use medicine and the condition goes away, but right after cutting off medication, the condition comes back. This happens because they are not taking medicines as much as required. Even if the symptoms are gone, you have to continue your medication for a few days to weeks for significant improvement.

You are not following preventive measures.

Besides taking treatment, you must follow preventive measures. Prevention is often more effective than the treatment itself. If you are not avoiding its triggers and not taking care of your hygiene, you will either worsen the condition or fail to treat it. This can result in fungal acne going back. 

Preventive measures, most of the time, consist of avoiding scratching, irritating products, and excessive heat.

You have bad lifestyle habits. 

Bad lifestyle habits could lead to recurring symptoms. These include but are not limited to wearing sweaty clothes and tight clothing, not drinking enough water, not washing your skin, not cleaning the sweat, and scratching the affected area often. 

Medication abuse could also lead to recurring symptoms. Using harsh and oily products on the skin and eating processed and oily foods count as bad lifestyle habits. 

So, you have to modify your lifestyle and follow the best hygiene practices. If you are living in a hot environment, make sure to take enough baths to keep your body cool and clean from sweating. 

You have a weak immune system, or there is an underlying disease.

If the upper conditions are not true for you, then it could be simply a matter of your immune system, or there is an underlying condition that is causing fungal acne or similar symptoms. 

Weakened immune systems are more prone to skin conditions. You have to consult a professional for help in this case. 

However, there could be an underlying condition like Seborrheic Dermatitis, which can lead to fungal acne. In that case, a doctor should be visited for a proper diagnosis to find out what is causing the issue. 

How to get rid of it effectively?

The ways described below are for the treatment of fungal acne. If you manage to follow and implement them in your routine, you will reduce the risk of getting this condition again and again. 

Wash enough

First, you need to keep the skin clean to avoid complications. Regular cleaning is not enough for treatment but is compulsory to remove bacteria and extra oil from the skin. It is better to use a mild shampoo for better cleaning. 

Use a medicated shampoo

For its treatment, use a medicated shampoo in a bath specifically created for treating fungal acne symptoms. Use it twice a week, but for severe symptoms, you can use it daily. 

Make sure to keep using it a few times after the symptoms fade out. Rinse the affected area thoroughly every time to avoid leaving any residues behind. 

Follow preventive measures

Besides using medicated products, you must follow some preventive measures to get the best out of treatment and prevent it from happening again.  

  • Use lukewarm water in baths.
  • Avoid exposure to direct sun rays and excessive heat. 
  • Avoid using oily products on the skin.
  • Stop using beauty products during treatment
  • Do not scratch the affected area.
  • Do not wear tight clothing, as friction from rubbing can damage bumps.
  • If there are whiteheads, do not damage them. 

These are a few measures you can take to avoid the recurring symptoms. If nothing works for you or the symptoms are worsening after following the instructions described here, consult a doctor for professional help.